J-League leaders Kashima Antlers were held to a 1-1 draw by Kawasaki Frontale on Sunday.

The Kawasaki Todoroki Stadium saw Juninho put the home side in front in the 33rd minute with a penalty but Kashima's Shinzo Koroki managed a leveller in the 64th minute to give his side a share of the points despite being down to ten men.

"It was really tough," said Koroki after scoring his seventh goal of the season. "We were determined to win even though we were one man down. We couldn't do it, but it is really important that we finished with a draw.

"It was a mere equaliser, but I feel great. Before the game, we thought one goal would decide the game. I was disappointed that we couldn't score a second goal, but it was important to draw with a one-man deficit."

Kashima still have an eight-point lead on top of the table with 39 point whilst Kawasaki have joined Albirex Niigata and Urawa Reds on 31 points.